Watch Your Step!

Image by Tom Kow from Pixabay

We have never really been dog park people. We were not against it, it’s just that our last dog, Annie, was pretty antisocial. But if you have met the current office dog… well, Jessie is another matter.

So, we have been venturing out to the new dog park on Smith, west of town. Great set up, plenty of grass and walking paths and poop bags. And clean restrooms clearly marked men’s and women’s. Really a pretty great addition to this side of town.

But dog parks have rules. And the only rule that makes sense to me? …Pick up after your dog. I’m not usually a stickler for too many rules, but for this one I am. Now it seems that this would go without saying, but we live in a time and place where everything needs to be clearly spelled out or… you would have a dog park full of poop. And like I said, bags, and for that matter trash cans, are provided. No excuses.

Truth be told, most folks, a large majority, are pretty conscientious. Except for the people who bring 3 to 5 dogs. These critters can’t get out of the car fast enough to start marking their territory, peeing on the first post available, salivating, and of course pooping. All expected behaviors. Once inside the park, however, there is no way on earth that several dogs running in different directions get their droppings cleaned up. Ain’t gonna happen.

And so, there is poop.

It being summer weather, I am usually out there in a pair of flip flops, maybe not the brightest idea but comfortable nonetheless. I usually have a cup of coffee and so does Mrs. Swaim (which may actually be a park infraction itself, but like I said…) Jessie usually makes a beeline for some corner of the park, and I dutifully get out the bag, hand my cup to Mrs. Swaim, and head for the pile; and of course, I am walking in a sort of grassy minefield to clean up the mess. In flip flops. And I’m watching every step. Carefully. I’m focused. Eye of the tiger and all that. And then it hits me. Instead of being angry at owners with multiple dogs, just keep paying attention to where I am walking and getting the job done. I’m focusing on what is right in front of me. No distractions please. No being annoyed at other peoples’ pets or behaviors. Because I can control where I step. I can control keeping the park a little cleaner by paying attention to my dog.

Wasting time on what you can’t control is… a waste of time! People are going to miss cleaning up after their pet. Get used to it, Kenneth. It’s out of my control.

Here is the point: keeping focused on what is right in front of you and in your control is the best bang for your buck. And the best use of your time.

True confession, this political season has been like walking in a minefield of dog poop. It can be so distracting if you let it get to you. I let it more than is healthy. It can take me off task and get me thinking about things I cannot control. Dwelling on things out of my control is an unhealthy practice. Stop it!!

Friends, stay focused on your family, on your work, on your health and exercise goals, on reading your scriptures, on building a life that works. Yes, be aware of what is going on, but not obsessively. Most importantly, watch your step and clean up your mess. Or your dogs, rather. I will too.

Focus and keep it simple. And maybe wear smarter shoes to the dog park!

Cheers,

ks